How to Keep Your Teen Safe as They Drive with a Kentucky Driving Permit
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on April 24, 2025
Becoming a parent of a teen driver is both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. A new law allowing teenagers to apply for a Kentucky driving permit at age 15 opens up a world of independence and freedom. However, it also presents new challenges for parents who want to keep their teens safe on the road. While teens are bound to grow up and become independent in several ways, parents can help keep them safe in the transition from passenger to driver by being present and involved in their driving journey.
1. Start with Plenty of Practice
The foundation for safe driving begins with practice. Kentucky’s new driving law may allow teens to obtain a permit as early as 15, but the hours behind the wheel necessary to improve and get a drivers’ license has not changed. Teens with extensive parent-supervised driving experience are significantly less likely to be involved in accidents. Driving practice allows teens to get comfortable behind the wheel with an experienced driver helping them.
Parents should actively participate in their teen’s driving education, helping them to practice driving in various conditions, such as during different times of the day, in adverse weather, and in heavy traffic. The more experience your teen gains, the better prepared they will be for the challenges of driving solo.
2. Follow Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Guidelines
Kentucky, like many states, has a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program designed to help young drivers ease into full independence. Under the GDL system, there are restrictions on the number of passengers and driving hours during the first months of having a license. For example, teens may only drive with one passenger under the age of 20 unless accompanied by a licensed adult.
While these restrictions can be frustrating for teens, they are in place for their safety. Newly licensed teens are most at risk for accidents, particularly in the first six to twelve months of driving. By stressing the importance of following GDL provisions, parents can help their teens reduce their risk of accidents and know what Kentucky expects of new drivers.
3. Limit Distractions
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents among teens. With smartphones, music, and screens in newer cars that control temperature settings and other options, it’s easy for young drivers to become distracted. It’s crucial to teach your teen about the dangers of texting or talking on the phone while driving. By setting boundaries early and enforcing no-phone rules, your teen can create good driving habits from the start.
4. Set House Rules and a Parent-Teen Driving Contract
Establishing clear rules around driving can significantly reduce the risk of accidents or unsafe behavior. Work with your teen to develop a set of house rules that define safe driving practices. These rules should include no texting or talking on the phone while driving, always wearing a seatbelt, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
A parent-teen driving contract is a helpful tool to make these rules official. In the contract, outline the consequences for breaking the rules, and ensure that your teen understands the reasoning behind them. It’s also important to emphasize that if they ever find themselves in an unsafe situation, they should feel comfortable calling you for help, no questions asked. This includes if your teen becomes intoxicated, or knows that they will be late for curfew if they don’t rush. While it might be tempting to punish them for breaking other rules, it is always better to be there when they need you as opposed to them driving too fast or under the influence because they are afraid of consequences.
5. Be a Good Role Model
Your teen is more likely to follow safe driving habits if they see you practicing them. Set a good example by always wearing your seatbelt, obeying traffic laws, and keeping your eyes on the road. If your teen sees you texting while driving or disregarding speed limits, they may think it’s acceptable behavior. As a parent, your responsibility is to show your teen the right way to drive by modeling responsible behavior behind the wheel.
6. Know When to Wait
Some teens are not ready to drive when they are 15 years old. Every child is different, so pay attention to signs regarding whether your teen is ready to be behind the wheel or not. Their ability to make good decisions and be responsible can be indicators of how they will act as a driver. Just because the age threshold is lowered does not mean that teens are required to get a permit as soon as they can. It’s okay to wait!
Call Cooper & Friedman, Louisville Car Accident Lawyers
Kentucky’s new law allowing teens to get their permit at 15 is a major responsibility for both teen drivers and their parents. Mistakes happen and accidents can occur on the road, but it is not always the teen drivers’ fault. If you or someone you know is involved in a car accident, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is here to help you and your teen get the compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in the State of Kentucky and are in need of an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney, give the lawyers at the Cooper & Friedman law firm a call. The attorneys at Cooper and Friedman PLLC have over 50 years of combined experience defending the rights of car accident victims. Contact us with questions you might have or schedule a free case consultation with an attorney by calling 502-459-7555 today.